Abstract: Apparatus for joining at least two axially abutting rods of the cigarette industry comprises means for delivering the rods to a rolling drum, a rolling device mounted adjacent to the drum to roll the rods with respect to the drum, and means for applying a hot-melt adhesive to the rods to produce a bonding film which overlaps the adjacent ends of the rods and extends at least around a major part of the circumference of the rods.The adhesive may be applied by a nozzle directly to the rods, or may be applied initially to the drum as a film which is then picked up by the rods.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding cigarettes downwards transversely to their lengths, between vertical side walls, comprises two feed conveyors extending towards and moving towards one another from below the respective side walls, leaving a space between the inner ends of the conveyor, and delivery means (preferably a conveyor) extending from below the space between the two feed conveyors to carry the cigarettes away. The feed conveyors are preferably porous bands and suction is applied below them so as to grip the cigarettes adjacent to the feed conveyors.